In keeping with our British Yule tradition: The Ace of Wands
The Winter Solstice on December 21 in 2020 is the shortest day of the year. For the pagans of the British Isles, this was a time to party. Yes, winter lay ahead, but the days would become progressively longer, so the Solstice held the promise of the rebirth of spring.
It’s no coincidence that early Christians chose a day soon after the Solstice to celebrate the hope and happiness of the birth of Christ (who was really born “when shepherds were in the fields with their sheep” in a warmer month, possibly April).
But before Christianity arrived in Britain, the pagans had a 12-day winter festival called “Yule.”
At the beginning of Yule, they ventured into the cold, cut down a large tree, trimmed away its branches, and dragged it home. On the hearth they anointed the log with beer (yes, really!) and set it ablaze, using remnants of the previous year’s log as kindling. It burned bit-by-bit until the Twelfth Night when, after the fire was out, it was stowed under a bed for luck and protection. (Who doesn’t love a chocolate Yule log at Christmas?!)
In keeping with this Yuletide tradition, let’s look at a different kind of “log”: the Ace of Wands.
The image on the Rider-Waite deck depicts a mystical hand appearing from a cloud and holding a large tree branch. Far from being withered, the branch sprouts hopeful green leaves. A castle in the distance promises future opportunities.
Cards in the Wands suit are about primal energy, spirituality, courage, and creativity. In addition, Wands — like the Yule log itself — recall the element of Fire. Aces ask you to look positively at your life.
The Ace of Wands is perhaps the boldest and most determined card in the Tarot. Its creativity is not about merely having a hobby or pursuing a pastime. It has to do with bravely finding your own path, to a place where you develop a creative new vision for yourself.
Just as the holiday season is about hailing the end of one year and looking forward to the new one, the Ace of Wands asks you to leave behind an old way of thinking and embrace a perhaps risky new way, with enthusiasm and joy. It’s time to abandon negativity — even if that negativity has seemed an appropriate reaction — and look forward with optimism.
This Ace, then, wants you to be daring, brave, and enthusiastic about what is to come. In the midst of a cold winter, and after — let’s face it — a dreadful year, it’s time to find victories and applaud them. Revel in the hope and positivity of the season, whether you opt for Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, Omisoka – or nothing at all. Let the Ace of Wands hold the spark of energy that ignites you to new passion, and celebrate!
Happy Holidays!
Want more information about Tarot cards and readings? As well as coaching, I’m pleased to offer single-card, three-card, and Celtic Cross ten-card readings at various price ranges, all via email or face-to-face across Zoom or Skype.
And, although the world is an uncertain place right now, if you’re planning a future party – whether it’s an intimate get-together or a large-scale event, consider adding the excitement of Tarot readings. I’d love to chat with you, so to find out more, please email info@tarotbyemail.com.
I am the Weekend Witch, and I can’t wait to help you meet your destiny!